"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em."
             (2,v, 77, Twelfth Night.)
             What makes a great basketball player? The National Basketball Association (NBA) consists of many talented players, all of whom have the potential to become great. Among the prolific scorers, towering shot blockers, diligent rebounders, and creative passers, none is more deserving for the title of "great player" than Vince Carter of the Toronto Raptors and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Both players have developed their skills very quickly and have emerged as the NBA's brightest stars. Though each player covets the title, Carter is more likely to become the next basketball great. His leadership qualities, solid defense, and offensive prowess make his basketball skills superior to those of Kobe Bryant.
             Great basketball players are often characterized as great leaders. There is no doubt in Toronto who the team leader is. Vince Carter's presence in Toronto has made basketball popular in Canada and has improved the team's performance. In every year since Carter's inaugural season, the Raptor's record has improved noticeably. Many people agree that he is also the main reason the Toronto Raptors made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history last season. Carter may not be the most vocal player on the team, but according to basketball analyst, Marv Albert,
             Vince is a leader by example. Give him the ball in crunch time and get out of the way. Let [Charles] Oakley do the barking, Vince will work the magic. Oakley can tell 'em how it's done, but Vince will show you.
             (http://www.sportstalk.com/nba/head/head_3-31-00.shtml)
             Carter also displays his leadership qualities on an international level. During the 2000 Summer Olympics, he led the United States basketball team in scoring an...